How to ensure your case recording is child-focused Community Care : 21 May 2026 Sophie Baker
As her husband contemplates accessing his care records, social work trainer and consultant Sophie Baker discusses how practitioners can ensure children reading their files later in life will find their story recorded with clarity and care For some years now, my husband has been thinking about accessing his social care records.The files were written more […]
I know I’d make a good foster parent, but I don’t want to go through all the bureaucracy
‘Paperwork is not my thing but the way I got through the fostering process was to remember why I was doing it. Not only did I want to foster a child but the approval process is necessary to make sure the child in care is safeguarded – most have already gone through a lot of […]
I’m single, what if I meet the right person whilst a foster carer?
Kerry, a Hertfordshire-based foster carer, shares her experience of fostering for over 15 years as a single parent. After her marriage ended, she hadn’t been particularly interested in finding a new partner. However, as often happens, she met Ian when she least expected it. Kerry’s story is not unique. At Fostering Hearts, we welcome foster […]
Fostering Fortnight 2023: Empowering Lives and Building Communities
Fostering Fortnight 2023 is just around the corner, and it offers a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness about the invaluable role that foster carers play in our society. Fostering Hearts is proud to be a part of this annual celebration and play a vital role in recruiting foster carers across the South East. In this […]
Missing children and young people
The new framework for missing children and young people is a significant initiative aimed at ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children in the care of local authorities in England. Developed by the National Task and Finish Group, led by the National Police Chief’s Council, with contributions from The Fostering Network, the framework provides a […]
The Importance of Maintaining Family Ties in Foster Care
The bond between a child and their birth family holds a significant place. One that is underpinned by deep emotional attachments and legal rights. This page looks into complexities and nuances of family time (contact), ensuring the well-being of foster children. Understanding the Emotional and Legal Landscape The emotional bond between a child and their […]
Promoting the health of foster children
Fostering comes with the responsibility of nurturing children’s overall health and well-being. This guide offers foster carers insights into understanding and addressing the health needs of foster children, from initial health assessments to promoting long-term wellness. Discover practical tips for managing medical care and promoting healthy lifestyles. Nurturing the Health and Well-being of Foster Children: […]
Fostering support networks
Fostering is a profoundly rewarding journey, marked by its unique challenges and the unparalleled opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life. At the core of a successful fostering experience lies the strength of a robust support network, the invaluable resource of enhanced support, and the thoughtful use of respite care. This comprehensive guide […]
Foster carer allowance and pay
Foster carers receive a weekly allowance, which is a composite of funds intended for the household and the foster child. This financial support covers everything from the child’s personal needs to household expenses, aiming to mirror the support a child would receive in a traditional family setting. Weekly fostering payments are broken down into ‘allowance’ […]
Foster carer challenges – allegations
Allegations can be one of the most challenging aspects a foster carer may face. They can bring a lot of stress to the fostering household. Many children in care have experienced abuse, neglect, and trauma. These experiences can lead to misunderstandings of situations. It is these misunderstandings that sometimes result in allegations being made against […]